The first significant moment in the set was both thought-provoking and impactful: an intricate blend of recent and historical footage was displayed on the massive screens throughout the stadium, emphasizing a recurring narrative of critics and commentators questioning Beyoncé’s artistic credibility and her connection to country music. As Bey made her grand entrance, she was adorned in an outfit emblazoned with headlines — a powerful representation of an unending news cycle — and launched into a passionate rendition of “America Has a Problem” from behind a podium, complete with an ‘On Air’ sign hovering above her. While the show was a rightful celebration of culture, this segment served as a clever and pointed defense of that same celebration against its detractors.

In a breathtaking segment of the tour’s setlist, Beyoncé delivered a mesmerizing four-song medley from Cowboy Carter, performing them in the precise order as they appear on the album. The rich funk of “Desert Eagle” captivated the audience from center stage, leading into the lively and infectious groove of “Riiverdance,” which had the crowd moving in unison. This was followed by the heartfelt midtempo track “II Hands II Heaven,” which featured synchronized choreography, culminating in a thrilling performance of “Tyrant,” highlighted by a stunning mechanical bull prop. For die-hard fans of Cowboy Carter, this seamless sequence felt like a euphoric dream come to life; tracks 22 through 25 represent some of Beyoncé’s most innovative sonic concepts, elevated to new heights in this grand stadium show.

Creating a captivating atmosphere for a sensual song in a stadium is a challenging feat, yet “Thique,” a standout track from Renaissance, received an exhilarating presentation that balanced vibrant energy with intimate moments. A salon-themed setup, complete with hair dryers, emerged in the center of MetLife Stadium, allowing Beyoncé and her four talented dancers to glide over, executing some seated choreography while also nodding to the beauty-centric music video for Destiny’s Child’s classic hit “Bills, Bills, Bills.” Amid a packed setlist, the innovative stage design and the sexual dynamism showcased in “Thique” truly stood out, leaving an indelible impression on the audience.

As Cowboy Carter’s lead single, “Texas Hold ’Em” stands as Beyoncé’s most recent chart-topping hit on the Hot 100, and rather than being simply integrated into the album presentation, it was celebrated as a powerful anthem. The performance kicked off an exhilarating sequence featuring her greatest hits, including “Crazy In Love,” “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” and “Irreplaceable,” all delivered with unbridled enthusiasm. Standing confidently atop a bull-horned rig and sporting a BNCNTRY trucker hat, Beyoncé passionately performed “Texas Hold ‘Em,” rallying her fans by summoning “all my cowboys and all my cowgirls” to join her on the dance floor. The performance escalated into an ensemble dance spectacle that felt worthy of a climactic Broadway finale, with Beyoncé’s astonishing vocal delivery marking a show-stopping moment meant to leave the audience in awe.

As the Cowboy Carter tour progresses, fans have likely learned about Beyoncé’s signature moment where she takes a seat on a massive flying horseshoe during the show, particularly while performing her rendition of “Jolene.” This stunning visual element involves the horseshoe being elegantly suspended in the air, allowing her to glide around the stadium. While this might not come as a surprise, the sheer spectacle of a flying horseshoe is as thrilling as one could imagine! If you plan to attend the Cowboy Carter tour this summer, be sure to stay seated during this breathtaking moment, as it promises to be a highlight of the evening.

As the concert neared its conclusion, Beyoncé paid tribute to a significant influence in her music by performing a cover of “Before I Let Go,” the beloved 1981 classic by Maze, which also received a spotlight during Beyoncé’s Homecoming special. After exchanging lines with a video of Frankie Beverly, she showcased her incredible vocal range during the song’s melismatic refrain — then invited the audience to join in. Thousands of fans at MetLife Stadium eagerly participated, belting out “Whoooooooooooa / I would never, never, never, never, never, never, never / Never let you go before I goooooo” in a soulful a cappella rendition, while Beyoncé swayed approvingly from the stage. The highlight of this moment? Spotting Blue Ivy on stage, who was visibly enjoying the audience’s participation and nodding in approval as the performance concluded.

Speaking of family, Blue Ivy has already begun to command the stage with her presence as a teenager — a beloved figure whose energy resonates through every dance move and subtle gesture. During her final solo moment in the show, clad in an “I <3 NY” outfit, the audience was completely captivated by the charm of the 13-year-old. Meanwhile, 7-year-old Rumi made a delightful appearance during the song “Protector,” where she embraced her mother and waved to the crowd, eliciting enthusiastic “aww’s” from the audience. In the hands of a different artist, such moments might feel contrived, but Beyoncé seamlessly integrates her daughters’ contributions into the narrative of the show, illustrating that the Cowboy Carter tour is not just a performance but a compelling story that includes her family as an integral part of her artistic journey.